SECRETS OF THE CAPITAL II: BETI JAI
- DEW ARIZA
- Jul 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Madrid. A city with many fans and haters, with lovers of concrete and heights or, with –what I think are most of us– people with whom the city has a love-hate relationship. Within this universe of brick and concrete, we find places with a lot of history, abandoned buildings, oasis within the city… And I have found a place that is all of these at the same time: The Beti Jai.
Many of you will wonder where it is, what it is, or to be honest, what it means. I will tell you.
As your trusted researcher, at the beginning of the year I began to read about a very particular and unique place in the city, which has been closed and abandoned for a long time and which, of course, could not be visited. I saw the photos and began to investigate. Scrolling and scrolling I found that Heritage (specifically, Pasea Madrid), was going to start doing guided tours for the first time (in its history!) and that it would be the only way to visit it.
But, what is the Beti Jai? At the end of the 19th century, to the surprise of many, Madrid was a city where frontons were very (but VERY) fashionable. With up to 30 frontons opened in the capital, it was a place to socialise, watch sport and spend a different day. One of these frontons, and the only one still standing today of all those that existed at that time, was the Beti Jai fronton (whose meaning is “always a party” in Basque). It was one of the most popular frontons and where authentic stars of Basque pelota were seen playing.
This building was designed by the architect Joaquin Rucoba, also the author of places (in my beloved Málaga) such as the Malagueta bullring, the Atarazanas market or the Paseo del Parque in Málaga. Characterised by its eclecticism (or mixture of styles), we can see neo-Mudejar details or iron structures.
It was in operation until 1919. After this date it has been used for so many purposes that our imagination falls short: from a police station or a place for band rehearsals, to a car workshop.
This 2024, coinciding with its 130th anniversary, and after a great struggle by the neighbors, it has been restored and reopened. Protected for its great historical and cultural value, we will be able to learn about and enjoy its history and aesthetics (and for free). A 100% recommended visit.
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